Influence of Ligand and Nuclearity on the Cytotoxicity of Cyclometallated C^N^C Platinum(II) Complexes

A series of cyclometallated mono- and di-nuclear platinum(II) complexes and the parent organic ligand, 2,6-diphenylpyridine 1 (HC^N^CH), have been synthesized and characterized. This library of compounds includes [(C^N^C)Pt^II( L )] ( L =dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) 2 and triphenylphosphine (PPh₃) 3 ) and [((C^N^C)Pt^II)₂( L‘ )] (where L‘ =N-heterocycles (pyrazine (pyr) 4 , 4,4‘-bipyridine (4,4‘-bipy) 5 or diphosphine (1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb) 6 ). Their cytotoxicity was assessed against four cancerous cell lines and one normal cell line, with results highlighting significantly increased antiproliferative activity for the dinuclear complexes ( 4 – 6 ), when compared to the mononucleated species ( 2 and 3 ). Complex 6 is the most promising candidate, displaying very high selectivity towards cancerous cells, with selectivity index (SI) values >29.5 (A2780) and >11.2 (A2780cisR), and outperforming cisplatin by >4-fold and >18-fold, respectively.     

PlatinER: A Highly Potent Anticancer Platinum(II) Complex that Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Driven Immunogenic Cell Death

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a rare immunostimulatory form of cell death that can improve the clinical outcomes of chemo-immunotherapeutic combination regimens through the establishment of a long-term cancer immunity. None of the clinically used DNA-binding Pt^II complexes is considered a Type II ICD inducer. We generated a series of Pt^II-carbene complexes by applying minor structural alterations to the scaffold of a Type II ICD inducer Pt-NHC and compared their efficiency in triggering ICD-related cellular responses and phagocytosis. We successfully identified PlatinER, a novel highly potent Pt^II candidate with superior ICD properties. Crucially, the magnitude of ICD-associated phagocytosis induced upon exposure of cancer cells to Pt complexes was dependent on the levels of ER-localized reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which underpins their mechanisms of action and provides a feasible approach for the design of more effective Type II ICD inducers.     

A Potent Glucose–Platinum Conjugate Exploits Glucose Transporters and Preferentially Accumulates in Cancer Cells

Three rationally designed glucose–platinum conjugates (Glc–Pts) were synthesized and their biological activities evaluated. The Glc–Pts, 1 – 3 , exhibit high levels of cytotoxicity toward a panel of cancer cells. The subcellular target and cellular uptake mechanism of the Glc–Pts were elucidated. For uptake into cells, Glc–Pt 1 exploits both glucose and organic cation transporters, both widely overexpressed in cancer. Compound 1 preferentially accumulates in and annihilates cancer, compared to normal epithelial, cells in vitro.     

Platinum(II)-thiosemicarbazone drugs override the cell resistance due to glutathione; assessment of their activity against human adenocarcinoma cells

New platinum(II) compounds of the thiosemicarbazone 1-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)ethan-1-one thiosemicarbazone (BzimetTSCH), [Pt(BzimetTSCH)Cl]·2H₂O (1) and [Pt(BzimetTSCH)(tpp)]Cl·H₂O·MeCN (2) were synthesized. The complexes were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined with single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The coordination around platinum is square planar in both complexes. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against human adenocarcinoma breast (MCF-7) and cervix (HeLa) cells. The apoptotic pathway of cell death was confirmed by cell cycle arrest test. Since deactivation of cisplatin caused by glutathione (GSH) seems to be an important determinant of its cytotoxic effects, the reactions of 1 and 2 with GSH were investigated by UV-absorption spectroscopy. The genotoxicities on normal human fetal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) caused by 1 and 2 were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. The absence of micronucleus in MRC-5 cells confirms the in vitro non toxic behavior of the compounds. Moreover, the in vivo genotoxicities of 1 and 2 were evaluated by the Allium cepa test. Due to negligible genototoxic effect and high antitumor activity which is similar to that of cisplatin, 2 could be a candidate for further study as potential drug since the mitotic index is unchanged.     

A bifunctional platinum(II) complex capable of intercalation and hydrogen-bonding interactions with DNA: binding studies and cytotoxicity

The interactions of [Pt(CNN)(4-dpt)]PF(6), (1; 4-dpt=2,4-diamino-6-(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine, HCNN=6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine) with double-stranded DNA, poly(dA-dT)(2), and poly(dG-dC)(2) were examined by spectroscopic, electrophoretic, and hydrodynamic methods. The spectroscopic data were analyzed with McGhee, van't Hoff, and Gibbs-Helmholtz equations. In a comparative study, [Pt(CNN)(py)]PF(6) (2; py=pyridine) was prepared and the nature of its binding towards DNA was investigated [preliminary results: ChemBioChem 2003, 4, 62-68]. For reactions with calf thymus DNA at 20 degrees C, the intrinsic binding constants for 1 and 2 are (4.6+/-0.2)x10(5) and (2.3+/-0.3)x10(4) mol(-1) dm(3), respectively. Results of DNA-binding reactions revealed that 1 and 2 preferentially bind to the AT sequence of duplex DNA. Intercalation is the preferred binding mode for 2, whereas both intercalation and minor-groove binding are observed for 1. Complex 1 is cytotoxic against a number of carcinoma cell lines, including KB-3-1, CNE-3, and HepG2, and remains potent against multidrug- or cisplatin-resistant KB-V-1 and CNE1 cell lines, for which the resistance ratios are 1.6 and 1.5, respectively. Importantly, 1 is almost an order of magnitude less toxic to the normal cell line CCD-19Lu (IC(50)=176+/-1.7 microM) and it selectively induced apoptosis leading to cancer cell death with less than 5 % detectable necrosis.     

DNA Interstrand Cross‐Links of an Antitumor Trinuclear Platinum(II) Complex: Thermodynamic Analysis and Chemical Probing

The trinuclear platinum compound [{trans‐PtCl(NH₃)₂}₂(μ‐trans‐Pt(NH₃)₂{NH₂(CH₂)₆NH₂}₂)]⁴⁺ (BBR3464) belongs to the polynuclear class of platinum‐based anticancer agents. These agents form in DNA long‐range (Pt,Pt) interstrand cross‐links, whose role in the antitumor effects of BBR3464 predominates. Our results show for the first time that the interstrand cross‐links formed by BBR3464 between two guanine bases in opposite strands separated by two base pairs (1,4‐interstrand cross‐links) exist as two distinct conformers, which are not interconvertible, not only if these cross‐links are formed in the 5′‐5′, but also in the less‐usual 3′‐3’ direction. Analysis of the conformers by differential scanning calorimetry, chemical probes of DNA conformation, and minor groove binder Hoechst 33258 demonstrate that each of the four conformers affects DNA in a distinctly different way and adopts a different conformation. The results also support the thesis that the molecule of antitumor BBR3464 when forming DNA interstrand cross‐links may adopt different global structures, including different configurations of the linker chain of BBR3464 in the minor groove of DNA. Our findings suggest that the multiple DNA interstrand cross‐links available to BBR3464 may all contribute substantially to its cytotoxicity.     

Tridentate Complexes of Palladium(II) and Platinum(II) Bearing bis‐Aryloxide Triazole Ligands: A Joint Experimental and Theoretical Investigation

A novel class of palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes bearing tridentate bis‐aryloxide triazole ligands was prepared by using straightforward and high‐yielding synthetic routes. The complexes were fully characterized and the molecular structures of four derivatives were unambigously determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometric analyses. For the most promising luminescent Pt^II derivatives, further experimental investigations were carried out to characterize their photophysical features and to ascertain the nature of the emitting excited state by means of electronic absorption, steady‐state, and time‐resolved emission techniques in different conditions. In degassed fluid solution the complexes displayed broad and featureless photoluminescence with λ_em=522–585 nm, excited‐state lifetime up to few microseconds and quantum yield (PLQY) up to 17 %, depending on the nature of both ancillary ligand and substituent on the tridentate ligand. Computational investigation using density functional theory and time‐dependent DFT were performed to gain insight into the electronic processes responsible for optical transitions and structure–photoluminescence relationship. Jointly, experimental and theoretical characterization indicated that the radiative transition arises from an excited state with admixed triplet‐manifold metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer and ligand‐centered (³MLCT/³LC) character. We elucidated the modulation of the photophysical properties upon variation of substituents for this new family of complexes.     

A Multitarget Gold(I) Complex Induces Cytotoxicity Related to Aneuploidy in HCT‐116 Colorectal Carcinoma Cells

A novel alkynyl phosphane gold(I) complex (trimethylphosphane)(3‐(1,3‐dimethylxanthine‐7‐yl)prop‐1‐yn‐1‐yl)gold(I) 1 displayed mutiple biological activites including selective proliferation inhibitory, anti‐metastatic, and anti‐angiogenic effects. The complex also induced effects related to aneuploidy in HCT‐116 colon carcinoma cells, which might be mainly ascribed to the dysfunction of mitochondrial bioenergetics and downregulation of glycolysis. Induction of aneuploidy beyond a critical level can provide an effective strategy to target cancer, in particular colorectal tumours with a low tolerance of aneuploidy, and could be of relevance for 1 and other metallodrugs.     

Breast Cancer Stem Cell Potent Copper(II)–Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drug Complexes

The breast cancer stem cell (CSC) potency of a series of copper(II)–phenanthroline complexes containing the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), indomethacin, is reported. The most effective copper(II) complex in this series, 4 , selectivity kills breast CSC‐enriched HMLER‐shEcad cells over breast CSC‐depleted HMLER cells. Furthermore, 4 reduces the formation, size, and viability of mammospheres, to a greater extent than salinomycin, a potassium ionophore known to selectively inhibit CSCs. Mechanistic studies revealed that the CSC‐specificity observed for 4 arises from its ability to generate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibit cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), an enzyme that is overexpressed in breast CSCs. The former induces DNA damage, activates JNK and p38 pathways, and leads to apoptosis.     

A Dinuclear Mercury(II)‐Mediated Base Pair in DNA

The first dinuclear metal‐mediated base pair containing divalent metal ions has been prepared. A combination of the neutral bis(monodentate) purine derivative 1,N⁶‐ethenoadenine (ϵA), which preferentially binds two metal ions with a parallel alignment of the N−M bonds, and the canonical nucleobase thymine (T), which readily deprotonates in the presence of Hg^II and thereby partially compensates the charge accumulation due to the two closely spaced divalent metal ions, yields the dinuclear T‐Hg^II₂‐ϵA base pair. This metal‐mediated base pair stabilizes the DNA oligonucleotide duplex as shown by an increase of 8 °C in its melting temperature. Formation of the base pair was demonstrated by temperature‐dependent UV spectroscopy as well as by titration experiments monitored by UV and CD spectroscopy.     

Cyclometalated Platinum(II) Complexes as Highly Sensitive Luminescent Switch‐On Probes for Practical Application in Protein Staining and Cell Imaging

Protein‐staining platinum : The luminescent switch‐on characteristic of the platinum(II) complex can be utilized for staining a series of proteins in sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyarcylamide gels, to give emissive gel images directly under UV light (see figure). The detection sensitivity for BSA protein is down to 6.0 ng, revealing potential practical applications of luminescent platinum(II) complexes in the luminescent signaling of biomolecules.

     

A Platinum(II) Complex of Heptamethine Cyanine for Photoenhanced Cytotoxicity and Cellular Imaging in Near‐IR Light

Controlled generation of cytotoxic agents with near‐IR light is a current focus of photoactivated cancer therapy, including that involving cytotoxic platinum species. A heptamethine cyanine scaffolded Pt^II complex, IR797‐Platin exhibits unprecedented Pt?O bond scission and enhancement in DNA platination in near‐IR light. This complex also displayed significant singlet oxygen quantum yield thereby qualifying as a near‐IR photodynamic therapeutic agent. The complex showed 30–60 fold enhancement of cytotoxicity in near‐IR light in various cancer cell lines. The cellular imaging properties were also leveraged to observe its significant co‐localization in cytoplasmic organelles. This is the first demonstration of a near‐IR light‐initiated therapy involving the cytotoxic effects of both active cisplatin and singlet oxygen.     

An Amphiphilic Resin‐dispersion of Nanoparticles of Platinum (ARP‐Pt): A Highly Active and Recyclable Catalyst for the Aerobic Oxidation of a Variety of Alcohols in Water

Please recycle! An amphiphilic polystyrene‐poly(ethylene glycol) resin‐dispersion of nanoparticles of platinum (ARP‐Pt) is developed, with the nanoparticles exhibiting a narrow size distribution throughout the resin. ARP‐Pt offers a sustainable chemistry alternative as a useful and readily recyclable catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of a wide variety of alcohols.

     

A Novel Proton Sensor with Luminescence and Color Signaling Based on Platinum(II) Terpyridyl Acetylide Complex

Molecular switches that are controllable, reversible and readable at molecular level are an essential compo-nent of molecular electronics1 and chemical sensors.2-6 Of particular interest are the molecules which show dramatic and reversible changes in color and/or lumi-nescence in visible spectral region upon exposure to specific substrates. A number of chromophore- spacer-receptor systems that can selectively recognize specific guest molecules at their receptor site and pro-duce measurable col…     

Cover Picture: Cyclometalated Platinum(II) Complexes as Highly Sensitive Luminescent Switch‐On Probes for Practical Application in Protein Staining and Cell Imaging (Chem. Eur. J. 15/2009)

Photoluminescent cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes can bind non‐covalently and non‐specifically towards various proteins and such bonding is accompanied by a dramatic increase in the intensity of photoluminescence in the visible spectral region. It can be practically applied for staining protein mixtures in 1D and 2D SDS‐PAGE, giving emissive gel images directly under UV light without any de‐staining procedures. For more information see the Communication by C.‐M. Che et al. on page 3652 ff. (SDS‐PAGE=sodium dodecyl sulfate polyarcylamide gel electrophoresis).